WWII vet Garza was recipient of Purple Heart and Bronze Star

Published 8:50 pm, Sunday, November 11, 2012

While serving in the Army's 9th Infantry Division during World War II, Jose V. Garza's courage and dedication to fellow troops became evident during a battle in Maknassy, Tunisia.

“Cpl. Garza, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, went through a sector that was being machine-gunned by the enemy, to help carry wounded men,” according to his Bronze Star commendation letter.

Although Garza rarely spoke of his time in battle, he revealed moments of that day to daughter Roseline Howes.

To avoid gunfire, Garza crawled 500 yards to a waiting ambulance, carrying the wounded on his back, she said.